BASINGSTOKE Chess Club lost 4-2 at home to Reading in their latest Berkshire League outing.

The visitors were soon two boards up, but draws on the top boards from Paul Hackman and Ivan Stipcevic made it 2-1.

An exciting finish ensued as Roy Ashmore and James Chilton gained late advantages, but had to settle for draws.

In the Southampton League, Basingstoke B maintained their promotion push with a 2-2 draw at Fareham. David Graham and Paul Vanlint recorded victories for the visitors.

The result leaves Basingstoke third in the table, one point behind second place and two points behind the leaders.